Li Na says pressure makes her stronger

China's Li Na said she relished the pressure of having the world's most populous nation behind her as she battles for glory at Wimbledon 2013.

The 31-year-old is the third-highest seed left in the draw after Victoria Azarenka, Maria Sharapova and Sara Errani tumbled out early.

And Li said the weight of Chinese expectation on her shoulders was only making her tougher. "I like the pressure," the 2011 French Open champion said. "The people without pressure, how they can live? I mean, the pressure makes me stronger. I can prove myself, as well."

But she said the whole nation was not counting on her to win Wimbledon purely because some bigger names have tumbled. "Why should I carry for the whole country? I'm only a tennis athlete. Only a tennis player. I try as best as I can on the court. This is my job," she said.

Nonetheless, the sixth seed said she was not losing sleep about becoming the next big name to stumble at the All England Club, after a string of top players in both the women's and men's competitions were either knocked out or succumbed to injury. "Welcome to the crazy women's tennis tour!", she said. "I know this is bad, but I have to say it's worse for Wimbledon, for history, because many big stars are out of the tournament, and also so many pulled out due to injury. So of course I was sad, but the same time I got some information because I really do not want to be the next one out.

"The grand slams are very tough tournaments. It is the same for everyone. Everyone has the chance to be the champion."